How to Pose for Your Headshot: Tips for a Flattering and Natural Look

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)  and Craftsman based in Houston, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in corporate headshots.  Here are some tips on How to Pose for Your Headshot: Tips for a Flattering and Natural Look.  See more headshots in the gallery.  Contact me to book your professional headshot today!

How to Pose for Your Headshot: Tips for a Flattering and Natural Look

A headshot is a crucial tool for professionals in a variety of fields, from actors and models to businesspeople and entrepreneurs. It’s the first impression that someone will have of you, and it can play a significant role in opening doors to new opportunities.

 

However, getting the perfect headshot requires more than just showing up and smiling for the camera. First, knowing how to pose can make all the difference in creating a headshot that truly captures your essence and highlights your best features.

 

Next, use these tips and tricks for posing for a headshot photo, so you can look your absolute best in your next professional portrait.

7 Tips on Posing

  1. Keep your shoulders relaxed: Tension in your shoulders can make you look stiff and uncomfortable in your headshot. Take a deep breath and exhale slowly to help release any tension in your shoulders.
  2. Angle your body slightly: Instead of facing the camera head-on, try angling your body slightly to one side. This can help create a more dynamic and interesting composition.
  3. Tilt your chin down slightly: This can help elongate your neck and create a more flattering jawline. Be careful not to tilt your chin too far down, as this can create an unflattering double chin.
  4. Smile naturally: A genuine smile can make you appear approachable and friendly. To achieve a natural smile, think of something that genuinely makes you happy or brings you joy.
  5. Use your eyes: Your eyes can communicate a lot in a headshot. Try to look directly into the camera and focus your gaze on a specific point. This can help create a connection with the viewer.
  6. Keep your hands relaxed: Avoid making fists or placing your hands in awkward positions. Instead, keep your hands relaxed and natural. You can try placing your hands in your pockets, crossing your arms, or resting your hands on a nearby surface.
  7. Pay attention to your posture: Having good posture can make you appear more confident and poised in your headshot. Stand up straight and avoid slouching.

 

Finally, by following these tips, you can help ensure that your headshot looks both flattering and natural. Remember to relax, breathe, and have fun with the process. With the right pose, attitude, and professional photographer, you can create a headshot that truly represents your best self.

Houston TX Headshots

Here are a few recent headshots.  I will help you with all posing from your toes to your nose.  So don’t worry about remembering all of the posing steps!

Professional business headshot with tips on how to pose

business headshot woman in cream blouseprofessional business corporate headshot man in blue suit and red tie

professional headshot how to poseprofessional headshot woman how to pose

how to pose for your headshot

woman's professional headshot in blue suit

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@taraflanneryphotography

Here are my top tips for creating photos you’ll love for years to come 👇🏻

🎨 Choose a soft, coordinating color palette — think blues, burgundy, and warm earth tones that look gorgeous in outdoor settings.

👕 Stick to classic, solid pieces without big logos or bold patterns for a timeless look.

😊 And most importantly — keep everyone comfortable (especially the kids!) so we can have fun and capture genuine smiles.

Fall sessions fill up fast — let’s plan your perfect family session now so you can relax and enjoy it when the leaves start to turn. 🍁

📸 Shoot me a DM to schedule your Family Portraits this fall!

#familyportraits #thewoodlandstxphotographer #houstonphotographer #thewoodlandsfamilyphotos #familyphotos
Want a flawless team photo every time? Here’s the secret ⬇️

Group Composites.

Unlike a traditional group photo — where someone inevitably blinks, looks away, or just isn’t loving their angle — a composite lets me select the best shot of each person individually.

Here’s how it works:

✔️ I photograph each person separately

✔️ Pick their most flattering image

✔️ Edit each headshot to perfection

✔️ Combine them into one cohesive, polished group portrait

The result? A picture-perfect team photo where everyone looks amazing — no retakes, no stress.

Ready to upgrade your team’s image? 📩 DM me to learn more.

#groupcomposites #teamphotos #thewoodlandstxphotographer #headshotsphotographer
Say goodbye to outdated team photos. 👋🏻

If your company is growing, shifting, or hiring often, this is the game-changing solution you’ve been waiting for:

📸 Group Composite Team Photos

Here’s how it works:

Instead of squeezing everyone into a single room at the same time (and hoping everyone looks their best), we photograph each team member individually — then merge them into one cohesive, professional team photo in post-production.

✨ New employee? We’ll add them in.
✨ Someone left? We’ll update the photo.
✨ Remote team? No problem.

No more rescheduling full photoshoots. No more outdated staff pages. Just a clean, current, always-on-brand team image.

Perfect for:
✔️ Corporate offices
✔️ Real estate teams
✔️ Medical practices
✔️ Law firms
✔️ Small businesses
✔️ Remote or hybrid teams

📍 Serving Houston + surrounding areas
📅 Contact me to start your team composite today.

#teamphotos #groupphotos
Let’s talk about AI headshots. 🤖 ⬇️

Here’s the thing: while AI can mimic your likeness, it can’t replace the real you. People who know you can still tell the difference between an authentic photograph and a computer-generated image stitched together from selfies.

When it comes to building trust with your clients, patients, or audience, authenticity matters. Real portraits create real connection.

That said, I do love using AI-powered tools — not to fake who you are, but to enhance your photos. Tools that smooth, sharpen, and polish while keeping your portraits truthful, authentic, and you.

Because your clients deserve to meet the real person behind the brand.

📸 Ready for headshots that feel polished and authentic? Shoot me a DM!

#headshotphotographer #houstonheadshots #aiheadshots

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Serving the Greater Houston, Texas Area

tara@taraflannery.com

713-412-5437

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Tara is a member of the Professional Photographers of America PPA.
Tara is a Certified Professional Photographer.
Tara is a member of TPPA Texas Professional Photographer's Association.
Tara has earned her Master of Photography degree.
Tara has earned her Photographic Craftsman certification.
Tara is a member of the Professional Photographers Guild of Houston PPGH.